Federal Government Tells Afenifere Farm Estate Is Not Ruga

The Federal Government has said the establishment of 109 Integrated Farm Estates has nothing to do with Ruga or ranches.

The Executive Secretary of National Land Development Authority (NALDA), Mr Paul Ikonne, said this Friday while speaking with some reporters at Owerri, Imo State capital.

President Muhammadu Buhari had directed NALDA to establish integrated farm estates in all the 109 senatorial districts to boost food production across the country.

But Pan-yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, had in a statement by its spokesman, Mr Jare Ajayi, alleged that the federal government was attempting to bring back cattle colony and RUGA through the establishment of the farm estates.

However, the NALDA boss said: ”Well, is unfortunate, it’s not another type or anything that has to do with Ruga. The Integrated Farm Estate, the president mandated us to put it in all the 109 Senatorial Districts.

”After commissioning that of Daura, meaning he saw the productive nature, the impact that project will make.  The project is meant for the community, to develop the community. What we have inside is poultry, fishery and for those who are doing piggery – piggery. So, is for the people.